Quincy High School - Goldenrod Yearbook (Quincy, MA)

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SYMPHONY CONCERTS We are indebted to the State Symphony Orchestra this year for a series of three concerts, conducted by Alexander Thiede. On each occasion Mr. Thiede started the programs by discussing a different class of instru- ments : first, the stringed; second, the reed; and last, the percussion and brass. Also, he gave a brief resume of the story told through the medium of the music, having the different members of the orchestra demonstrate certain phases of the selection that pertained to their instruments. Thus we were able to use these demonstrative bits as guide posts to the trend of the story told in music. Mr. Thiede also spoke briefly on the lives and music of the various composers. After this preliminary review the concerts were made fascinating even to those who knew very little about the field of music. At the last concert Mr. Thiede promised to return with the orchestra next year and conduct a series of new programs in which the pupils them- selves could participate. With this added attraction in view we look forward to another successful symphony season. MR. THIEDE ADVISES After the last concert, Mr. Thiede was asked, “How does one become a conductor of music V “Well,” answered Mr. Thiede, “that question requires a great deal of time and thought, but I'll give you a few suggestions.” He said that one must first become proficient at some instrument and then make every effort to get into a group of musicians to learn the importance of cooperation. Not only must one play music but listen to it and become familiar with the various intruments. Then comes the study of composition and orches- tration. These, however, are only a few of the essential things that a con- ductor must do in the way of preparation. Now no one will ever be able to tell me that a conductor’s job means just “waving a stick around.” PRESENTING ROBERT FROST Tuesday evening, April 3, Mr. Muir introduced to a large audience a distinguished guest, Robert Frost, America's greatest living poet. Mr. Frost acknowledged his introduction very modestly, saying that his poetry had reached farther than he had imagined it would. Mr. Frost then discussed the reading and teaching of poetry in the schools. He stressed the fact that “the reading of poetry must be the height of pleasure. I11 school it is often taught too dingily and dismally. Poetry is slight, delicate—butterfly-like, and a heavy hand will crush it. A poem is a sacred thing; in attempting to make its meaning clear to others one should not outrage his finer feelings for the |x em or violate it in any way with heavy, searching explanation.” Mr. Frost believes that a j ocm is understood only in the light of another ix em, and that the keenest enjoyment is obtained by those who have an instinct for it. : page Twenty-Five

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IT DID HAPPEN HERE THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD “Oh dear! sighed my companion gazing mournfully at the empty seats around her, “only seven o’clock and the performance not due to start till eight. What arc we going to do for the next hour?” With a devil-may-care-attitude, I replied, “Let’s go hack stage!” So with dauntless courage we tip-toed back stage and from an incon- spicuous spot proceeded to watch the performers being made up. The most messy job was putting whiskers, beards, and mustaches on the boys' faces with glue, of all things. We heard some practical jokers declare their in- tention of going thus bedecked about the square after the performance. (Some actually did, we hear). We saw Derelyn Bagley looking very exotic in her gypsy costume gaylv chatting with vivacious Mary Barton. We sjx)ke to James MacDonald who explained his sad plight—the costumers had sent him two right-handed gloves. What to do? Wear one and carry the other! Charles Henderson was strolling about with long, tight, black stockings adorning his legs, and horrors! One stocking had a run. And who is this young man looking very distinguished in black tights and caj)e? Why, none other than Joseph Mar- tell, the male lead. We overheard two fair members of the chorus talking excitedly about the gold lockets and the beautiful bouquets of flowers Miss Howes and Miss Tuthill were to receive at the end of the j erformance. By now it was almost eight o’clock and so without further ado we rushed back to our seats to find the auditorium completely filled with an audience ready and eager to enjoy a memorable presentation of that delighttu! Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, “The Yeomen of the Guard.” The entire cast, so ably coached by Miss Howes and Miss Tuthill is to be heartily commended for its fine performance. That you may not forget those who labored long and hard, we give you their names: Phoebe Meryll, Mary Barton; Wilfred Shadbolt, Chester Roher; Dame Carruthers, Eleanor Wohlander; Sergeant Meryll, Arthur Mazzola; Leonard Meryll, James MacDonald; Colonel Fairfax, Joseph Mar- tell; Lieutenant of the Tower, Louis Di Bona; Jack Point, Charles Hender- son; Elsie Maynard, Derelyn Bagley; Kate. Dorothy Sinclair. 1941 HOLDS GLASS ELECTION The election for temporary officers of the class of 1941 was held last February. A most unusual situation developed. The two candidates for the office of president, George Pahud and Bernard Ranieri, received an even number of votes! As a result of the tie, the two boys will share the honor, Bernard Ranieri serving as president from September to February, and George Pahud from February till June. Dorothy Harrold took over the office of vice-president by an over- whelming victory. The office of secretary is held by Alice Goodwin and that of treasurer by Russell Anfinson. The Sports Council includes Muriel Stafford and Margaret Kay, and William Tocci and Ernest Rounseville. Josephine De Luca, ’41 page Twenty-Fn,,,- ---

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Mr. Frost said that he had received many letters from people, asking him involved questions alxnit his poems, which he did not go to great lengths to answer, for he never likes to “give a satisfactory answer to any question. After his discussion on poetry in general Mr. Frost read and com- mented on several of his most famous poems, such as “The Runaway, “Birches,” and “The Road Not Taken.” Interspersed with these well-known selections, he read many other less familiar poems, some of which he read twice in order that the audience might remember them better. He said of the latter, with a little chuckle, “I’m trying to promote them.” Mr. Frost enchanted his audience by his simple geniality, and his ready flashes of humor and wit. all of which aided in making his visit one which will long he remembered by poetry lovers. CLARENCE “Oh, damn it! Leave me alone!” shouted Fred Kittrcdgc in clam- orous tones. Unfortunately, the windows were oj)en on the third floor and certain indignant teachers rushed in to see who was uttering such profanities in the sacred halls of Q. H. S. Evidently the explanation that followed was satisfactory for they went oft with smiles on their faces. Jean Pinel and Betty Wylie trying so hard to cry, burst out laughing (Do try peeling onions next time). All present marvelled at John Mac Lean’s facial expressions, his twitching of muscles and puzzled looks being nothing short of masterpieces. Leo Dempsey's broad Cockney accent made even Mr. Mitchell laugh. Whenever there was a chance, Rosemary Logan chatted with Evelyn Gal- lagher, Fred Dahl wrote articles for the “Q-Hi News”, and Dick Quinn did his French. Where and when was all this happening? The place, Room 302, the time, 3 :oo o’clock, the characters none other than the illustrious cast of that fine comedy “Clarence rehearsing for the grand performance on April fourteenth. We congratulate the members of the senior dramatics and Mr. Mit- chell, director, for giving us such a fine presentation. It couldn’t have been better. That you may not forget the fine cast, which worked so hard to make “Clarence” the marked success it was. we list the names of the players: Miss Finney, Rosemary Ix gan; Clarence, John MacLean; Mr. Wheeler, Fred Kittredge; Mrs. Wheeler, Betty Wylie; Dinwiddie. Leo Dempsey; Mrs. Martin. Priscilla Kay; Cora Wheeler, Jean Pinel; Bobby Wheeler, Richard Quinn; Della, Evelyn Gallagher; Mr. Hubert Stem, Fred Dahl. No less credit is due to those who so ably took care of the technical part of the presentation. We refer, of course, to Mary Curry and Arthur Bogan, properties; Howard League, stage manager; and Donald Harrington, assistant stage manager. jtage Twenty-Six